Critical Steps to Performing a Successful Single-site Laparoscopic Myomectomy for Large Pedunculated Myoma during Pregnancy

Abstract

To demonstrate tips and tricks for the successful use of single-site laparoscopic surgery for pedunculated myomectomy during pregnancy. Stepwise demonstration with narrated video footage. An academic tertiary care hospital affiliated with Baylor College of Medicine. Our patient is a 39-year-old pregnant G1P0010 with a symptomatic 12-cm degenerating pedunculated myoma refractory to conservative pain management. Recent literature has indicated that most laparotomic myomectomies performed during pregnancy showed overall positive pregnancy outcomes and low complications. This indicates that myomectomy in pregnancy is safe and can be used in cases unresponsive to conservative management [1]. However, cases in literature discussing the single-site techniques for laparoscopic myomectomy during pregnancy have been sparse [2]. Four case series were reviewed; a total of 62 pregnant patients underwent laparoendoscopic single-site surgery without any complications [3-6]. Using laparoscopy in myomectomy compared with laparotomy during pregnancy permits decreased postoperative pain, quicker recovery, and lowered risk of postoperative complications [5,7,8]. Single-site laparoscopic surgery also aids in improved patient cosmesis and can be used for the myoma removal. Literature has demonstrated that single-site laparoscopy is safe and feasible during all stages of pregnancy [3,4]. Nevertheless, this approach may be challenging for inexperienced surgeons owing to the lack of triangulation and crowding of instruments in single-site laparoscopy [5]. At 21 weeks and 3 days pregnancy, our patient underwent single-incision laparoscopic surgery myomectomy. A 2.5-cm skin incision was made at the umbilicus to the abdominal cavity, and a GelPOINT Mini was inserted. Through the laparoscope, we can observe that a 12-cm pedunculated myoma was protruding from the right uterine fundus on a 4-cm stalk. A 0-Vicryl suture was tied around the base of the stalk. The stalk was then cauterized with bipolar energy and transected with the harmonic scalpel, completely detaching the myoma. Subsequently, an Endo Catch bag was placed around the myoma and brought up to the umbilical incision. Using a scalpel, bag-contained morcellation was completed within 22 minutes and the contents removed. As a result, the estimated blood loss was 50 cc and the total operative time was 123 minutes. The extended operating time was caused by slow movements to avoid disrupting the fetus. She had an unremarkable postoperative course, no medications were needed for pain management, and she was discharged home on postoperative day 2. At 38 weeks, she successfully delivered with elective cesarean delivery with no complications. Histopathology showed fragments of leiomyoma with diffuse necrosis. Tips and tricks: 1. Single-site entry technique uses the open Hasson technique, which reduces the risk of injury to the pregnant uterus and dilated surrounding vessels. 2. Through a 2.5-cm incision, the surgeon placed a suture in the myoma stalk because other hemostasis agents such as vasopressin are contraindicated in pregnancy. 3. Owing to difficulties related to single-site surgery, the surgeon should possess extensive expertise in single-site surgery. 4. Manipulation of the uterus should be minimized to reduce the disturbance of the pregnant uterus. 5. V-loc suture allows for faster and simplified uterine incision closure. 6. If the surgeon encounters excessive difficulty during the surgery, a 5-mm accessory port can be placed. 7. During tissue extraction, gentle traction should be used to reduce provoking the pregnant uterus. 8. When transecting the myoma stalk, it is important to leave a stump of more than 1 cm to increase suturing ease and prevent accidental suturing of the uterus. Single-incision laparoscopic surgery myomectomy for pedunculated myoma may be a practical technique in women refractive to conservative management. When performed by an experienced surgeon, the patient may benefit from faster specimen removal and recovery.